Natural and Sustainable

The best way to clean a sink of dishes is the ole’ standby of a two bucket system. Fill up a bucket on one side of the sink with warm water and fill a bucket up on the other side of the sink with hot water and soap and wash the dishes that way. But, the only problem with that method is, with a sink load that never ends, it can become time consuming and with today’s busy schedule who has time to stand for two hours and scrub on last nights dishes?

Dishwashers are now more improved than in the late 90s and they have come a long way with additions such as air dry and Energy Star Ratings, etc. The best way to get your dishwasher in green standing is to follow some of the suggested tips below.

1. Only run your dishwasher when the dishwasher is full of dishes. If you run it with just a few items you are not only wasting water, you are wasting power and energy as well.

2. Use your dishwasher the right way. Place cups and items of dishes holes in them in the top rack on the prongs, not in-between the prongs and never wash large items that take up a lot of room either. Dutch ovens and crock pots should be washed by hand only.

3. Place dishes like plates toward the water flow. If you place it facing away it may not be able to reach the grime and you may want to place it back into wash over and over again which wastes water.

4. Always air dry your dishes no matter what. If you use the heat cycle to dry them you are just wasting electricity over all.

*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: Want to do a quick and inexpensive experiment with your kids? Place a seltzer tablet in an old film canister with warm water, place on the lid and turn upside down. Once enough pressure is built up it will pop the lid off and take off from the ground like a rocket ship.

Buy an Energy-Efficient one. How?

• Seek out the Energy Star® logo: Dishwashers that meeth the newly improved 2007 Energy Star® criteria are at least 41 precent more efficient than federal energy standards. Some Energy Star® dishwahers qualify for federal tax credits as well.

• Think smaller: The bigger the dishwasher, the more water and power it is going to use up. Unless you have a large family or go through a log of dishes daily, choose a smaller one that is less expensive.

• Shorten the cycle: Choose a dishwasher with an “energy-saving” or “light wash” cycle that uses less water and operates for a shorter time.

• Look for an air-dry option: This option uses circulating fans. Heat-dry modes use heating coils, which draw considerable amounts of electricity.

• Read the EnergyGuide®™ label: This will show how much energy each unit uses compared with similar models.

• Opt for a hot water booster: On internal water heater that raises water temperature inside the dishwasher (most Energy Start modesl have this.)

• Think long term: Most energy and water-efficient appliances cost more initially, but they will save you money in the long run through lower monthly utility bills.

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*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: Upgrade your toilet to a low-flush, low-water model. They save money and give a better flush.